Future of Bath arts charity secured by council lease

A charity which increases opportunities for the community to learn from and enjoy art is being supported with a rent subsidy by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

44AD occupies premises at 4 Abbey Street in Bath and provides affordable artist workshop space within the city centre, enabling local art to thrive, reach more people and support the local economy.

The council has agreed to a three-year lease extension at £10,000 per year, which is below the market value of £40,000 per year. Without this financial support, the art space would be forced to close.

The move supports the council’s vision for the nearby Milsom Quarter to become a fashion, art and design destination as part of the Milsom Quarter Masterplan.

The decision to extend the lease at below market value was made by Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, and Councillor Mark Elliot, cabinet member for Resources.

Councillor Roper said: “Thriving creative arts charities like 44AD have many social and economic benefits and enable more people in our communities to access the arts. Making sure established art spaces such as this one can keep providing affordable, creative workspaces for start-ups and small businesses is key to positioning this area of Bath as a leading arts and fashion destination. The council’s support will also help the charity stay financially resilient by allowing it to access grant funding. 44AD has significant cultural and social value for our area and I look forward to seeing its success continue.”

Katie O’Brien, 44AD Project Director, said: “We are extremely grateful to Councillors Roper and Elliott in supporting our lease extension from Bath & North East Somerset Council. 44AD grew from small beginnings and throughout the 12 years since its formation, it has flourished to become an established destination with a tremendous connective impact on the local community of Bath, providing work space for creatives and a free entry arts venue for all. To have security of tenure will enable us to access funding streams, plan ahead and develop more arts projects which champion the creative expression and ideas of young people, students, graduates, local artists, along with our many visitors.”